Severe Food Allergies: An Emergency Plan

Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst
| Published on October 25, 2013Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA
on October 25, 2013

If you've been diagnosed with severe food allergies, learn about the emergency medications you should always have on hand, as well as procedures for dealing with anaphylactic reactions.

For
people with food allergies, their allergic reactions can range from mild
discomfort to severe and even life threatening. The only proven way to prevent
an anaphylactic reaction is to avoid the foods or allergens that you are
severely allergic to. Unfortunately, even if you’re being diligent, you may
unknowingly come into contact with one of your triggers. Having an emergency
plan in case of accidental exposure may save your life.

Medication

An
anaphylactic reaction is an emergency that requires immediate care. Always
carry an epinephrine autoinjector with you. If you are diagnosed with a severe
food allergy, your doctor will likely give you a prescription this type of
autoinjector, which you should keep on you at all times. This device is a
syringe containing epinephrine and a concealed needle. You don’t need to be a
healthcare professional to administer the injection. These devices are made to
be easy to use by the general public and people of all ages. When required,
this injection is made into the outer portion of the upper thigh muscle. It is
designed to work even through clothing.

According
to the guidelines laid out by the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases, for the treatment of anaphylaxis, the injection needs to be
given as soon as possible. Delays can very quickly lead to a rapid decline in
the person’s condition, and sometimes can even cause death within 30 to 60
minutes after the onset of symptoms.

Epinephrine
begins to work immediately, but sometimes repeat dosages are necessary. Do not
wait to see if symptoms get better before calling 911, as this is a medical
emergency. A trip to the emergency room for a proper medical assessment is
necessary even if symptoms improve.

Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plans

Once
diagnosed with severe allergies, ask your medical care provider for an
Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan form or card. These special forms are
available to everyone with a severe allergy. The American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma, and Immunization have their own available for download for patients and doctors.
Other allergy-related organizations also offer similar forms.

The
purpose of the form is to help you be prepared for an emergency. It contains
important information about anaphylaxis and your allergy. It informs others
around you what to do in case you have an anaphylactic reaction.

The
forms include the following information:

name and age

other allergies

asthma and other health conditions that make you high-risk

signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

instructions on how to administer epinephrine

the type and dose of epinephrine you carry

emergency contact information

reminders of the importance of prompt treatment

It’s
recommended that you go over your Emergency Action Plan form with your doctor
and have it updated regularly.

What to Do if Someone Suffers an Anaphylactic Reaction

Being
aware of what to do should you or someone you know suffer an anaphylactic
reaction in your presence could mean the difference between life and death. It
is important to learn what the possible signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis are and
educate people close to you about these symptoms, as well as the details of
your allergy triggers. Both you and people with whom you are in regular contact
should know how to administer an epinephrine injection in the event of a severe
allergic reaction.

The
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommend taking the
following steps as soon as you notice the signs of anaphylaxis in yourself or
someone else:

Take away the allergenic food immediately.

Administer the autoinjector immediately, if available, by
injecting into the thigh muscle.

Call 911 immediately.

If at the hospital, call for the resuscitation team.

Once given the epinephrine, the patient should be placed
lying down.

The
Mayo Clinic offers further steps to take:

Loosen tight clothing.

Place the person on their side to prevent choking if they are
vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.

Some
important reminders if you’re with someone showing signs of anaphylaxis:

Don’t wait to see if the symptoms improve before giving the
injection or calling for help. Waiting greatly increases the risk of death

Antihistamines cannot take the place of epinephrine and could
significantly increase the person’s risk of a life-threatening reaction.

Emergency treatment is needed even if symptoms improve. This
is because there is a risk of symptoms returning, even after epinephrine treatment.

Remember
to tell your loved ones, friends, and colleagues where you keep your
epinephrine autoinjector. Keeping an extra one in your car or desk is also a
good idea. You may not always be able to prevent a severe allergic reaction,
but being fully prepared to treat one such a reaction can make all the
difference.

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